5 Healthy-ish Ways to Get Your Pumpkin Spice Fix

Fall is right around the corner and it brings something glorious, highly-anticipated, frenzy-inducing, and—well—downright magical. A real sight to behold. No, I am not talking about beautifully-colored falling leaves or the soothing noise of laughter and crackling campfire wood as you roast marshmallows for S’Mores. I’m talking about pumpkin spice everything!

People go into a craze over pumpkin-spice treats, but what isn’t all that exciting is what those fall-favorite pumpkin foods can do to your waistline. Most pumpkin spice items that start to make their way onto grocery store shelves and menus everywhere are loaded with excess fat and insanely high amounts of sugar. Never fear, your creative, resourceful dietitian is here to reveal some healthier pumpkin spice treats for your guilt-free enjoyment.

Slender Pumpkin Spice Latte

Your typical pumpkin spice latte is going to rack up several hundred calories and is loaded with copious amounts of fat and sugar. However, you can make your own healthier version of this at home to save calories and money! In a small pot over medium-low heat, whisk together 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or cashew milk, 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch each nutmeg and ginger, and 3 packets of stevia. Whisk the mixture until it becomes frothy, and add it to 3/4 cup of black coffee. Stir gently to combine and enjoy!

Pumpkin-Spiced Oatmeal

We all know that oats are super healthy, but plain oatmeal can be sort of meh. Spice up your morning routine and your oatmeal by preparing it with unsweetened vanilla almond or cashew milk (instead of water), 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. For an even more nutrient-packed oatmeal, stir in toasted pumpkin seeds.